How is energy converted/transferred into usable energy? The reactor uses Uranium rods as fuel and heat is generated by nuclear fission. Neutrons smash into the nucleus of an uranium atom, which split roughly in a half and release energy in the form of heat. Carbon Dioxide gas or water in pumped through the reactor to take the heat away, this heats water into steam. The steam arives turbines which drive generators. Nuclear power stations use the same type of turbines and generators as the convectional stations.
How is this type of energy used today? In Britain nuclear power stations are often built on the coast, and use sea water ready to be pumped round again. This means that they don't have huge "cooling towers" seen at other power stations.
What are the advantages of using this source of energy? -Nuclear power is reliable -Produces small amounts of waste
-Huge amounts of energy from small amounts of fuel.
-Does not produce smoke, co2, so it does not contribute to the greenhouse effect
-Not expensive to make
What are the disadvantages of using this source of energy?
-Not much waste is produced, it is very dangerous. It must be sealed up and buried for thousands of years to allow the radio activity to die away. For that time it must be kept safe from earthquakes, flooding, terrorists. This makes it very difficult.
Is energy source renewable or nonrenewable?
Nuclear enegry from Uranium is not renewable. Once we've dug up all the Earth's uranium and used it, there isn't anymore.
Noor Khawaja
How is energy converted/transferred into usable energy?
The reactor uses Uranium rods as fuel and heat is generated by nuclear fission. Neutrons smash into the nucleus of an uranium atom, which split roughly in a half and release energy in the form of heat. Carbon Dioxide gas or water in pumped through the reactor to take the heat away, this heats water into steam. The steam arives turbines which drive generators. Nuclear power stations use the same type of turbines and generators as the convectional stations.
How is this type of energy used today?
In Britain nuclear power stations are often built on the coast, and use sea water ready to be pumped round again. This means that they don't have huge "cooling towers" seen at other power stations.
What are the advantages of using this source of energy?
-Nuclear power is reliable
-Produces small amounts of waste
-Huge amounts of energy from small amounts of fuel.
-Does not produce smoke, co2, so it does not contribute to the greenhouse effect
-Not expensive to make
What are the disadvantages of using this source of energy?
-Not much waste is produced, it is very dangerous. It must be sealed up and buried for thousands of years to allow the radio activity to die away. For that time it must be kept safe from earthquakes, flooding, terrorists. This makes it very difficult.
Is energy source renewable or nonrenewable?
Nuclear enegry from Uranium is not renewable. Once we've dug up all the Earth's uranium and used it, there isn't anymore.